LONDON

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday reaffirmed her commitment to the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU, highlighting the region's strategic importance.

Speaking at the 19th Bled Strategic Forum in the town of Bled, Slovenia, von der Leyen emphasized that the future of the Western Balkans lies within the European Union, and she pledged to accelerate the enlargement process during the next term of the European Commission.

"In the course of history, the Western Balkans has often stood at the crossroads between East and West, between North and South," von der Leyen remarked. "But the new generations in this region have chosen a different path. They have chosen to be part of a common European family."

Von der Leyen's speech underscored the EU's determination to counter external influences.

"The current Russian leadership, living in the past, refuses to accept this simple reality. Whenever there's progress towards reconciliation and regional integration in the Western Balkans, the Kremlin tries to stir up old conflicts," she stated.

However, von der Leyen assured that the majority of the Western Balkans' population favors integration over fragmentation. "The vast majority of people in the Western Balkans do not want fragmentation. They want integration, and that's what we must deliver for them," she emphasized.  

'Enlargement is investment in our collective strength, security'

Underlining the European Commission's dedication to the enlargement process, von der Leyen noted that this effort has once again become a top political priority.

"Enlargement is an investment in our collective strength and security. We want a strong, competitive, and secure Europe, and this includes the Western Balkans as well as Ukraine and Moldova in our European Union," she declared.

Von der Leyen highlighted significant progress made during her first mandate, citing the commencement of accession talks with Albania, North Macedonia, Ukraine, and Moldova.

She also expressed optimism that Bosnia and Herzegovina could soon follow in their footsteps.

Looking ahead, von der Leyen pledged to expedite the enlargement process, revealing plans to appoint a dedicated Commissioner for Enlargement.

"Enlargement must be a full-time job that allows undivided attention, and this is why I will appoint a dedicated Commissioner for Enlargement. Let's write history together," she concluded, inviting the Western Balkan countries to actively participate in shaping the future of the EU.